Empathy Quotes In To Kill A Mockingbird

Throughout the book To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch demonstrates himself as an honest lawyer, a loving father, and a symbol of righteousness through his beliefs that he instills in his children. Atticus Finch values empathy, respect, and bravery, and he proves himself as a moral compass by teaching both Jem and Scout these values in the form of life lessons.

Throughout the novel, Atticus displays empathy by trying to understand other people’s perspectives and what their conditions are. Mr. Cunningham, father of Walter Cunningham, is a poor farmer who was a client of Atticus. Because of the Cunningham’s financial state he was unable to pay Atticus for his services, “Mr. Finch, I don’t know when I’ll ever be able to pay you” (Lee 22). To which Atticus replied, “Let that be the least of your worries, Walter” (Lee 23). Atticus never

Cunningham for his payment because he knew that it would only embarrass him and make him feel of a lower status. When Scout asks Atticus about Mr. Cunningham's payments, he simply replies saying that the only way the family could repay him was through wood and other goods because they don’t have enough money. This demonstrates Atticus’s understanding of Mr. Cunningham’s condition and what struggles he is facing. In To Kill A Mockingbird, Atticus Finch is a hallmark of empathy and he continues to teach his children to be able to see something from someone else’s eyes.

Atticus Finch is respectful towards his neighbors, children, and family throughout the novel. He tends to think about them before himself and thinks it is better to be kind despite what others may say or do. Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose was an old lady that lived in the Finches neighborhood, and Jem and Scout despised her, “She was vicious” (Lee 115). Every day Jem and Scout would pass Mrs. Dubose, and she would make a remark on how Scout was dress